Tampon applicator having an expulsion force increaser

ABSTRACT

A tampon and a tampon applicator in combination for expulsion of the tampon. The tampon applicator has a tampon holder tube and a plunger. The tampon holder tube has a hollow interior portion, an interior surface, an exterior surface, a longitudinal axis, an outer perimeter, a first end dimensioned for insertion into a vaginal cavity, a second end positioned oppositely to the first end, an end expulsion force increaser, and at least one side expulsion member. The tampon is a fluid permeable bag and absorbent material loosely dispersed within the permeable bag. The tampon is housed within the hollow interior portion of the tampon holder tube in a pre-expelled position. A plunger may also be slidably mounted in the hollow interior portion of the tampon holder tube and adapted to expel the tampon through the end expulsion force increaser.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a novel tampon applicator having anexpulsion force increaser providing directed expulsion of a tampon.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is known that the internal vaginal cavity in its normal collapsedstate has a much wider dimension in its transverse plane than in itsvertical plane. It is also well known that the minimum dimension of thevagina is near the introitus while the maximum dimension is near thecervix. It is desirable, therefore, when considering a tampon forcatamenial use, to provide a structure which, in its initial state, isof a size small enough to pass through the vaginal orifice withoutdiscomfort, and once inside the vaginal cavity and beyond therestrictions of the orifice, can expand, particularly in the lateraldirection, to cover substantially large portions of the vaginal surfacefrom one side to the other to prevent early bypass of the menstrualdischarges from the cervix. This side-to-side coverage is a preferredobject of this invention. Further, since the vaginal wall in its normalcollapsed state is flaccid and has multiple folds and wrinkles whichprovide channels through which a significant portion of the menstrualfluids normally flow, it is also important that the absorbent tampon beas soft and conformable as possible to conform to the shape of thevaginal cavity and fit within these channels to minimize leakage.

Generally, absorbent catamenial tampons are small, highly compressed,cylindrical of plugs about ⅜ inch to about ½ inch (about 1.0 cm to about1.3 cm) in diameter and from about 1½ to about 2½ inches in length(about 3.8 cm to 6.4 cm). Because of the need for absorbent capacity,they are usually formed from batts much larger in size than the vaginalorifice and compressed to the small size indicated above to facilitateinsertion. As fluid is absorbed, these compressed tampons are designedto re-expand. While it has been found that these compressed tamponsperform their intended function tolerably well, even the best of them donot re-expand sufficiently, or fast enough, to provide good transversecoverage against leakage even though the vertical blockage may besatisfactory. Further, most of these tampons often use only a smallportion of their absorptive capacity before leakage. Since these tamponsrely on some fluid absorption to re-expand, it is clear that fluidbypass and leakage can occur prematurely, particularly, immediately orsoon after the time of insertion.

Fortunately, it has been found during development of the presentinvention that a bag-type tampon inserted using the tampon applicatorconstructed according to the invention discussed herein is caused tospread open during insertion, and thereby can provide even furtherimprovements in comfort, low wearing awareness, and performance ascompared to currently marketed tampon applicators and previous attemptsto improve tampon applicators.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention encompasses a tampon having a bag structure and atampon applicator in combination for expulsion of the tampon into avaginal cavity of a female user. The tampon applicator has a tamponholder tube. The tampon applicator may also have a plunger. The tamponholder tube comprises a hollow interior portion, an interior surface, anexterior surface, a longitudinal axis, an outer perimeter, a first enddimensioned for insertion into the vaginal cavity, a second endpositioned oppositely to the first end, an end expulsion forceincreaser, and at least one side expulsion member positioned at thefirst end of the tampon holder tube. The tampon comprises a fluidpermeable bag and absorbent material loosely dispersed within the fluidpermeable bag. A force required to expel the tampon is greater for theend expulsion force increaser than the side expulsion members.

The tampon is typically in a compressed state, such that it can behoused within the hollow interior portion of the tampon holder tube in apre-expelled position. The plunger can be slidably mounted in the hollowinterior portion of the tampon holder tube. The plunger can be adaptedto expel the tampon through the end expulsion force increaser, wherebythe tampon is caused to undergo expansion from its initial compressedstate to a more expanded state. In a typical mode, this expansion is atleast 10 percent volume, and can be much higher (100-500%), depending onthe initial amount of compression.

There are several alternative embodiments. First, the side expulsionmembers can have an initial dimension and a deployed width in which theinitial dimension changes to a deployed width as the plunger expels thetampon from the tampon holder tube. Second, the tampon holder tube cancomprise a plurality of side expulsion members. Third, the end expulsionforce increasers can cause the tampon to expand beyond the outerperimeter of the tampon applicator along at least one of the sideexpulsion zones. Fourth, when the tampon is partially expelled from thetampon holder tube, the tampon is wider than the tampon holder tube.Fifth, the side expulsion zones can have a configuration of a slot, arc,or a curve. The side expulsion zones can also be a void or a weakenedarea. Finally, the tampon can be compressed to a shorter length by theplunger before being expelled through the end expulsion force increaser.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing outand distinctly claiming the subject matter which is regarded as formingthe present invention, it is believed that the invention will be betterunderstood from the following descriptions which are taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like designationsare used to designate substantially identical elements, and in which:

FIG. 1 a is a perspective view of a tampon applicator and tampon in itspre-expelled state.

FIG. 1 b is a top view of the tampon applicator of FIG. 1 a.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a tampon applicator and tampon in itspartially-expelled state.

FIG. 3 a is a perspective view of a tampon applicator and tampon in itsexpelled state.

FIG. 3 b is a perspective view of a tampon fitting within the vaginalcavity of a female user after the tampon has been expelled by the tamponapplicator of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the tampon before insertion into thetampon applicator.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the tampon.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a tamponapplicator with the tampon.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a tamponapplicator with the tampon.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a tamponapplicator.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a tamponapplicator.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a tamponapplicator.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a tamponapplicator.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a tamponapplicator.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a step in the Tampon Test disclosedherein.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a step in the Tampon Test disclosedherein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following are terms which will assist the reader in bestunderstanding the features of the invention and not to introducelimitations in the terms inconsistent with the context in which they areused in this specification. These definitions are not intended to belimiting.

The term “fluid permeable bag” is meant and as seen in FIG. 5, as aneasily deformable fluid permeable bag tampon consisting of absorbentchips, spheres, or fibers such that the fluid permeable bag tampon isreadily deformable with a force of less than about 1 pound per squareinch (hereinafter “psi”). The tampon is substantially deformable atpressures of less than about 3 psi. As seen in FIG. 5, the tampon 20 hasa first portion 49 and a second portion 50. The second portion 50 of thefluid permeable bag tampon has a trailing edge 53.

By the terms “ready position” or “pre-expelled position,” it is meantherein and as seen in FIG. 1 a, a position in which the tampon 20 isplaced or packed into the tampon holder tube 22 and positioned for thetampon's 20 successful expulsion through the tampon holder tube 22.

By the terms “directionally expel,” “directed expulsion,” or“directional expulsion,” it is meant herein and as seen in FIG. 1 a,that embodiments of the tampon applicators 21 of the present inventionwill expel a tampon 20 along the longitudinal axis 45 and cause it to beplaced in a position within the vaginal cavity to expand outwardlytowards the walls of a female user's vaginal cavity. Such directionalexpulsion causes the tampon applicator 21, when inserted into thevaginal cavity of a female user, to allow the tampon 20 to expand in thetransverse direction thus providing improved coverage of a female user'svaginal cavity.

The term “expelled,” as used herein and as seen in FIG. 3 a, is meantthe position after the tampon 20 is forced out of the tampon applicator21.

By the term “side-to-side coverage,” it is meant herein and as seen inFIG. 3 b that the tampon 20 once directionally expelled, will have atleast two sections thereof positioned outwardly toward the sides orwalls of a female user's vaginal cavity.

By “side expulsion zone” is meant and as seen in FIG. 1 a, a weakenedregion as compared to the side expulsion members 31 vbetween a firstside expulsion member 31 and a second side expulsion member 31.

By “axial force,” is meant and as seen in FIG. 1 a, the force 40 appliedalong the longitudinal axis 45 in the direction of expelling the tampon20 from the tampon applicator 21.

Referring to FIG. 1 a, the present invention relates to directionallyexpelling tampon 20 into the vaginal cavity of a female user from atampon applicator 21. Before expulsion of the tampon 20 from the tamponapplicator 21, the tampon applicator 21 has an initial dimension 54. Thetampon applicator 21 herein comprises a tampon holder tube 22 having ahollow interior portion (not shown), an interior surface (not shown), anouter perimeter 42, an exterior surface 25, a longitudinal axis 45, afirst end 26 dimensioned for insertion into the body cavity(specifically the vaginal cavity of a female user), a second end 27positioned oppositely to the first end 26, and a gripping portion 33.

The first end 26 of the tampon holder tube 22 further comprises endexpulsion force increasers 30 and side expulsion members 31 positionedadjacent to the end expulsion force increasers 30. The end expulsionforce increasers 30 are separated by force increaser sections 34 whichmay be between each end expulsion force increaser 30. The end expulsionforce increasers 30 and the force increaser sections 34 are positionedat a top 44 of the first end 26. The end of the end expulsion forceincreasers 30 may have projections 38.

As noted above, the first end 26 comprises side expulsion members 31which may be separated by side expulsion zones 35. The side expulsionmembers 31 and the side expulsion zones 35 are positioned along theouter perimeter 42 of the tampon holder tube 22. The combination of theend expulsion force increasers 30, the force increaser sections 34, theside expulsion members 31, and the side expulsion zones 35 is configuredto laterally expand the tampon 20 during expulsion of the tampon 20 fromthe tampon applicator 21.

Alternatively, the tampon applicator 21 may include a plunger 29 that isslidably mounted in the tampon holder tube 22 distal to the first end26. The plunger 29 is adapted to expel the tampon 20 from the tamponholder tube 22 with an axial force 40. However, such user activatedexpulsion may occur either by a plunger 29, plunger-like device, ordigitally with a user's finger(s).

To use the tampon applicator 21 of the present invention the user willtypically hold the tampon holder tube 22 in one hand at the grippingportion 33 on the same. When the plunger 29 is present, the user holdsthe end of the plunger 29, such as with her thumb and middle finger, andpushes the plunger 29 inwardly to slide the plunger 29 within the tamponholder tube 22. In practice, a user pushes the inserted plunger 29 untilthe entire tampon 20 is deployed from the tampon applicator 21. The userthen pulls the entire tampon applicator 21 (i.e., with the plunger 29inside) out of the user's vaginal opening.

The tampon applicator 21 has a pre-expelled state (FIG. 1 a), apartially expelled state (FIG. 2), and an expelled state (FIG. 3 a).During the pre-expelled state, as is readily seen in FIG. 1 a, thetampon 20 sits within the tampon holder tube 22 and can remain snuglytherein without any outside force to sustain its position in the tamponholder tube 22. As shown in FIG. 1 a, during the tampon's pre-expelledstate, the end expulsion force increasers 30 have the initial dimension54. FIG. 1 b shows a top view of the tampon applicator 21 with theinitial dimension of 54 and an outer perimeter 42. The end expulsionforce increasers 30 are separated by force increaser sections 34 and. Inaddition, the end expulsion force increaser 30 may have a centralopening 37.

In the partially expelled state, as is readily seen in FIG. 2, thetampon 20 is shown being directionally expelled with an axial force 40.When the axial force 40 is applied, the tampon 20 is pushed toward thefirst end 26. During this time, the tampon 20 is held within the tamponapplicator 21 by the end expulsion force increasers 30. The endexpulsion force increasers 30 may contain projections 38. The endexpulsion force increasers 30 require a greater axial force 40 than theside expulsion members 31 to expel the tampon 20. FIG. 2 illustrates atampon 20 partially positioned within and partially positioned withoutthe tampon holder tube 22 of the tampon applicator 21 during the act ofexpulsion of the tampon 20. During expulsion, at least one sideexpulsion member 31 is expanded. The combination of both the endexpulsion force increasers 30 and the side expulsion members 31 aide theend expulsion force increasers 30 to change from its first position withan initial dimension 54 in its pre-expelled state to its second position(FIG. 2) with side expulsion members 31 deployed width 55 in itspartially expelled state and finally to a third position in its fullyexpelled tampon applicator 21 state (FIG. 3 a).

FIG. 3 a shows the tampon applicator 21 in its expelled state where thetampon 20 is expelled from the tampon applicator 21 along thelongitudinal axis 45. The tampon applicator 21 has a tampon holder tube22. The tampon holder tube 22 has a first end 26 dimensioned forinsertion and a second end 27 opposite the first end 26. The first end26 comprises the end expulsion force increasers 30, side expulsionmembers 31, and side expulsion zones 35. The end expulsion forceincreasers 30 may include projections 38. In its expelled state, thetampon 20 is positioned into the vaginal cavity of a female user so thatimproved side-to-side coverage of the vaginal opening is achieved. Afterthe tampon 20 is inserted vertically into the vaginal introitus, thetampon 20 may change its orientation to a position which is non-parallelto the tampon's 20 pre-expelled vertical position. As a result, thetampon's 20 position during insertion could be in a differentorientation from the tampon's 20 position after insertion into thevaginal cavity. Contact of a female user's vaginal walls is a highlydesired characteristic of a tampon 20 when it is worn during a female'smenstruation period. Menses, whether highly viscous or less viscous,when flowing out of the user, follows the geometry of a female user'svaginal walls. In other words, menses may substantially flow along thevaginal walls of a female user. Regardless of the orientation of thetampon 20 within the vaginal cavity 60, FIG. 3 b shows how suchside-to-side coverage in the vaginal cavity 60 of the tampon 20 andplacement of the trailing edge 53 of the tampon 20 within the vaginalcavity 60 is expected to occur when using the present tampon applicator21.

Referring to FIG. 4, a key advantage of the tampon applicator 21discussed herein is that the tampon 20 can be inserted into the tamponapplicator 21 in any orientation and/or folded in any manner (i.e.,concave or convex). Despite the orientation of the tampon 20 uponinsertion into the tampon applicator 21, the tampon 20 will stillprovide effective side-to-side coverage in the vaginal cavity. In onenon-limiting example, the second portion 50 of the tampon 20 is insertedfirst into the second end 27 of the tampon holder 22 so that the secondend 27 of the tampon 20 expels first. Even when the second portion 50 ofthe tampon 20 is inserted first into the tampon holder tube 22, thetampon 20 still expels laterally and provides side-to-side coverage inthe vaginal cavity. Referring to FIG. 5, the tampon 20 has a firstportion 49 and a second portion 50. The second portion 50 of the fluidpermeable bag tampon has a trailing edge 53. A withdrawal string 39 mayalso be attached.

FIG. 6 shows an alternative embodiment of a tampon applicator 21containing tampon 20 with a plunger 29. The tampon holder tube 22 has afirst end 26. The first end 26 comprises the end expulsion forceincreasers 30, force increaser sections 34, side expulsion members 31,and side expulsion zones 35. The force increaser sections 34 cancomprise of weakened regions. FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 show perspective viewsof alternative embodiments of tampon applicators 21 having end expulsionforce increasers 30 and side expulsion zones 35 which can be void.Alternatively, FIG. 9 shows another perspective view of an alternativeembodiment of the side expulsion members 31 which can be one continuousfilm or sheet and the end expulsion force increasers 30 which can be onecontinuous film or sheet. The end expulsion force increasers 30 whichare located at the top 44 of the first end 26 and the sides of the sideexpulsion members 31 may be completely enclosed. Moreover, FIG. 10 andFIG. 11 show another perspective embodiment of a tampon applicator 21having an initial dimension 54. The sides 48 of the side expulsionmembers 31 which are located at the first end 26 may be non-uniform.FIG. 12 shows another perspective embodiment of a tampon applicator 21having projections 38 located on the end of the end expulsion forceincreaser 30.

FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of the tampon applicator 21 comprisinga tampon 20 and a tampon holder tube 22 with reference to dimensionsalong the inside diameter 56 of the tampon holder tube 22, the length Vof the tampon applicator and the plunger 29, the length X of the plunger29, and the length U of the tampon 20.

FIG. 14 shows a perspective view of the tampon applicator 21 afterexpulsion of tampon 20. The tampon 20 has an X -axis 58 and a Y-axis 59.The tampon applicator 21 comprises a tampon holder tube 22. Bag 57 isontop of tampon applicator 21 and tampon 20.

Below will detail each component of the tampon applicator 21.

I. End Expulsion Force Increaser and Force Increaser Section

Referring primarily to FIG. 1 a, the end expulsion force increasers 30are positioned at the top 44 of the first end 26. As shown in FIG. 1 b,each end expulsion force increaser 30 is separated from the other byrespective sections 34. As shown in FIG. 1 a, the end expulsion forceincreasers 30 counter the axial force 40 which is applied along thelongitudinal axis 45 when expelling the tampon 20 from the tamponapplicator 21. Thus, the axial force 40 needed to expel the tampon 20along the longitudinal axis 45 requires a greater force to expel thetampon 20 through the end expulsion force increasers 30 than to expelthe tampon 20 through the side expulsion members 31.

The end expulsion force increasers 30 have a pre-expelled position (FIG.1 a), a partially expelled position (FIG. 2), and an expelled position(FIG. 3 a).

FIG. 2 shows the position of the end expulsion force increasers 30 whenthe tampon 20 is partially expelled. When a tampon 20 is being expelledby an axial force 40 applied along the longitudinal axis 45, the endexpulsion force increasers 30 expand beyond its initial dimension 54along at least one of the side expulsion members 31. The end expulsionforce increasers 30 provide resistance to expelling the tampon 20 byincreasing the difficulty of expelling the tampon 20 at the first end 26thereof.

The manufacturer of the tampon applicator 21 may vary the width of eachend expulsion force increaser 30, the number of end expulsion forceincreasers 30, the distance between each end expulsion force increaser30, and the configuration of the end expulsion force increasers 30.

The width of each end expulsion force increaser 30 can vary greatly. Asseen in FIG. 1 a, the width of each end expulsion force increaser 30 isa function of the length of the outer perimeter 42 of the tampon holdertube 22 and the width of the force increaser sections 34 which arelocated between each end expulsion force increaser 30.

Any number of end expulsion force increasers 30 may be utilized. Eitheran even or an odd number of end expulsion force increasers 30 can bepresent. As shown in FIG. 1 a and FIG. 1 b, although three end expulsionforce increasers 30 are shown, additional end expulsion force increasers30 would give more positive engagement of the tampon 20 and provide moreresistance during expulsion of the tampon 20 from the tampon holder tube22.

Referring to FIG. 1 a, the distance between each end expulsion forceincreaser 30 which extends along the outer perimeter 42 of the tamponholder tube 22 depends on the length of the outer perimeter 42 of thetampon holder tube 22, the width of each end expulsion force increaser30, and the width of the force increaser sections 34 which are locatedbetween each end expulsion force increaser 30. Moreover, the endexpulsion force increasers 30 can be equally spaced apart or they can benon-uniformly arranged. Uniformly arranged end expulsion forceincreasers 30 are preferred, but randomly arranged end expulsion forceincreasers 30 will work. For ease of manufacturing, it is preferred thatthe end expulsion force increasers 30 be equally spaced relative to oneanother. The end expulsion force increasers 30, however, may beunequally spaced relative to one another.

Referring to FIG. 1 a, it is further noted herein that the shape orconfiguration of each of the end expulsion force increasers 30 may varyas long as the end expulsion force increasers 30 provides enoughresistance when applying an axial force 40 in the longitudinal direction45 to allow a substantial portion of the tampon 20 to be generallyreleased at one time. One of skill in the art will readily recognizeobvious variants on those presented in the patent application herein.One versed in the art can imagine that the shape of the end expulsionforce increasers 30 might be circular, square, rectangular, triangular,arced, curved, or any other conceivable shape possible as long as anysuch shape would work effectively to fully and properly provideresistance of the tampon 20 upon expulsion from the tampon holder tube22, expel the tampon 20 from the tampon holder tube 22, and provide agreater axial force 40 to expel the tampon 20 along the longitudinalaxis 45 from the end expulsion force increasers 30 than from the sideexpulsion members 31. The end expulsion force increaser 30 is in no waylimited by the size or shape that they may assume except that theyshould not hinder directional expulsion of a tampon 20. As shown in FIG.6, in an alternative embodiment, the side expulsion members 31 may becovered with a thin film material which is not as strong as the endexpulsion force increasers' 30 material. The side expulsion members 31could be hinged; scored; and/or could be a thin film. As also shown inFIG. 6, the material of the end expulsion force increasers 30 can be apolyethylene film and the side expulsion zones 35 can comprise ofweakened regions as compared to the side expulsion members 31 which areperforated such that the end expulsion force increasers 30 provideresistance to the tampon 20 while the plunger 29 forces the tampon 20out of the end expulsion force increasers 30.

Referring to FIG. 1 b, the force increaser sections 34 which separateeach end expulsion force increaser 30 can be void areas, weakenedregions, and/or regions covered in material. If the force increasersections 34 are covered in material, the material of the force increasersections 34 are not as strong as the end expulsion force increasers' 30material.

In one non-limiting example, the outer perimeter 42 can be about 60.96mm. In this example, there can be three end expulsion force increasers30. Additionally, each end expulsion force increaser 30 can be about6.35 mm and the force increaser sections 34 between each end expulsionforce increaser 30 can be about 13.97 mm.

In yet another non-limiting example, the outer perimeter 42 can be about75 mm. In this example, there can be five end expulsion force increasers30. Additionally, each end expulsion force increaser 30 can be about6.35 mm and the force increaser sections 34 between each end expulsionforce increaser 30 can be about 8.65 mm.

As shown in FIG. 2, each end expulsion force increaser 30 may compriseprojections 38. The projections 38 may extend far enough into the centerof the first end 26 to engage a tampon 20 disposed therein. Theprojections 38 may be any shape or size so long as the projections 38provide resistance to expelling the tampon 20 by increasing thedifficulty of expelling the tampon 20 out of the first end 26 thereof.For example, the projections 38 may be inward, outward, or substantiallystraight. As shown in FIG. 12, the projections 38 may be integrallyformed on the end of each end expulsion force increaser 30.Alternatively, the projections 38 may be separately attached to the endexpulsion force increaser 30.

As shown in FIG. 1 a, any number of projections 38 may be utilized.Either an even or an odd number of projections 38 can be present. Thenumber of projections 38 may vary as desired. Additional projections 38give more positive engagement of the tampon 20 and make it moredifficult to expel the tampon 20 from the tampon holder tube 22.

The projections 38 may be located anywhere on the end expulsion forceincreasers 30. As shown in FIG. 1 a, the projections 38 may be locatedat the end of the end expulsion force increaser 30. Furthermore, eachend expulsion force increaser 30 does not have to have a projection 38.

As axial force 40 is applied along the longitudinal axis 45, theprojections 38 retain the tampon 20 while forcing the end expulsionforce increasers 30 to expand beyond its initial dimension 54 in itspre-expelled state. The projections 38 allow the tampon 20 to laterallyexpand into the vagina and provide better vaginal coverage. Projections38 located at the end of the end expulsion force increaser 30 especiallycomplement conformable tampons 20 requires less pressure to expand uponexpulsion from the tampon holder tube 22.

As shown in FIG. 1 b, the top view of the tampon holder tube 22 (FIG. 1a) forms a substantially rounded tip. The tampon holder tube 22 may havea central opening 37 at the top 44 (FIG. 1 a) of the first end 26 (FIG.1 a). As shown in FIG. 1 a, the rounded shape is useful to facilitateinsertion of the tampon applicator 21 into the vaginal cavity. As shownin FIG. 7, in an alternative embodiment, the end expulsion forceincreasers 30 form a substantially closed end configuration.

While not wishing to be bound by any particular theory, the endexpulsion force increasers 30 may be made from polyethylene or duraformpolyamide. Each end expulsion force increaser 30 may be composed ofdifferent materials or may be composed of substantially the same type ofmaterial.

The maximum expulsion force typically occurs at the moment beforeexpulsion of the tampon 20 from the tampon applicator 21. The maximumexpulsion force and the concurrent observation of the moment ofexpulsion of the tampon 20 from the tampon applicator 21 may bedetermined by placing an arrangement of the invention in a deviceemploying a Dillon Force Gauge (Mecmesin AFG50N) or similar gauge, whichcan measure the peak force or “maximum expulsion force.” The measurementis done by following the procedures in the operating manual of thedevice concerning how to measure the peak force.

A force gauge is oriented such that a load cell ‘foot’ will travel in ahorizontal direction, and it is mounted to a stand and it remainsstationary during the test. A propelled, movable horizontal slider isaffixed to the stand to one side of the force gauge and is controlled bya linear actuator. An anchored applicator clamp with an internaldiameter set to correspond to the diameter of the applicator is attachedto the slider. The clamp is used to hold an inserter unit of theapplicator stationary during the test without deformation of theapplicator.

When using a telescoping tubes arrangement, the tampon holder tube 22 isanchored to the slider by the applicator clamp and the plunger 29 isstill free to slide within the tampon holder tube 22. The slider andforce gauge are so aligned on the stand that the plunger's 29longitudinal axis 45 and the force gauge's load cell axis are in-linewith each other, in this case a horizontal line. The insertion end ofthe plunger 29 is positioned to face the load cell ‘foot’.

When the slider is actuated, it will move the arrangement towards theload cell foot. The measurement is done at a constant speed setting ofthe device; a speed of 7.5 cm/sec is an exemplary speed for the test ofthe arrangements of the invention. When the slider engages the end ofthe plunger 29 against the load cell foot, the plunger 29 starts itstravel within the tampon holder tube 22, first engaging the secondportion 50 of the tampon 20 and then expelling the tampon 20 through theend expulsion force increaser 30. All the while, the force gaugemeasures the expulsion force, as well as captures the peak expulsionforce. The slider stops its movement towards the force gauge afterexpelling the tampon 20 from the tampon applicator 21 by the operatormanually turning off the slider power source or using some other form ofcontrol that can cut the power.

The device will give a reading for the maximum expulsion force. Bycoupling the device to a timer, the time of the start of the experimentdefined for calculation purposes as the time the plunger 29 initiallyengages the second end 50 of the tampon 20, and the time of expulsionthrough the end expulsion force increasers 31 are monitored, thereby,the expulsion of the tampon 20 from the tampon applicator 21 at themoment of expulsion can also be calculated. For the arrangements of theinvention, the maximum expulsion force is typically below about 2500grams-force, below about 2000 grams-force, below about 1500 grams-force,below about 1000 grams-force, or even below about 700 grams-force.Generally, the arrangement has a maximum expulsion force from about 700grams-force to about 2500 grams-force to expel the tampon 20 through theend expulsion force increaser 31.

The maximum width in which the tampon 20 is spread before leaving thetampon applicator 21 of the present invention is about 40 mms. In onenon-limiting example, the tampon 20 may be spread about 38 mms.

II. Side Expulsion Member and Side Expulsion Zone

Referring primarily to FIG. 1 a, the side expulsion members 31 aide inthe trajectory of the tampon 20 because the side expulsion members' 31axial force 40 to expel the tampon 20 is less than the axial force 40 toexpel the tampon 20 from the end expulsion force increasers 30. Becausethe side expulsion members' 35 axial force 40 is less, this aides in thetampon's 20 proper placement which provides side-to-side coverage in thevaginal cavity. The axial force 40 is less because of the lack ofresistance of the tampon 20 to move through the side expulsion members31 as compared to the end expulsion force increasers 30. In fact, whenthe tampon 20 is being expelled from the tampon holder tube 22, the endexpulsion force increasers 30 provide resistance while the sideexpulsion members' 31 reach a deployed width 55.

The side expulsion members 31 are positioned around the outer perimeter42 of the tampon holder tube 22. The side expulsion members are belowand adjacent to the end expulsion force increasers 30. The sideexpulsion members 31 are separated from each other by respective sideexpulsion zones 35.

The side expulsion members 31 have a pre-expelled position with a sideexpulsion zone initial dimension 54 which is less than or equal to theouter perimeter 42 of the tampon holder tube 22. Furthermore, the sideexpulsion members 31 also have a side expulsion zone deployed width 55,shown in FIG. 2, which is greater than the outer perimeter 42 (FIG. 1)of the tampon holder tube 22 and the side expulsion zone's initialdimension 54. In other words, the side expulsion members 31 expand froma first transverse width 54 to a second transverse width 55. The secondtransverse width 55 is greater than the first transverse width 54. Inone non-limiting example, the side expulsion members 31 may have a sideexpulsion zone initial dimension 54 of about ⅜ inch (about 1 cm) and aside expulsion zone deployed width 55 of about ½ inch (about 1.3 cm) toabout ¾ inch (about 1.9 cm).

FIG. 2 shows the side expulsion members 31 when the tampon 20 ispartially expelled. FIG. 3 a shows the side expulsion members 31 in itsexpelled position.

The manufacturer of the tampon applicator 21 may vary the configurationof each side expulsion member 31, the number of side expulsion members31, the width of each side expulsion member 31, and the distance betweeneach side expulsion member 31.

Referring to FIG. 1 a, the configuration of the side expulsion members31 is preferably created to decrease the weakness along a portion ofouter perimeter 42 of the tampon applicator 21. It is further notedherein that the shape or configuration of the side expulsion members 31may vary as long as a substantial portion of the tampon 20 is allowed toexpel and they may assume except that they should not hinder directionalexpulsion of the tampon 20. One of skill in the art will readilyrecognize obvious variants on those presented in the patent applicationherein. One versed in the art can imagine that the side expulsionmembers 31 might be circular, square, rectangular, triangular, or anyother conceivable shape possible as long as any such shape would workeffectively to fully and properly aide in the expulsion of the tampon 20from the tampon holder tube 22. As shown in FIG. 10 and FIG. 11, thesides 48 of the side expulsion members 31 may be non-uniform.

Referring to FIG. 1 a, any number of side expulsion members 31 may beutilized. Either an even or an odd number of side expulsion members 31can be present. As shown in FIG. 1 a, three side expulsion members 31are shown.

Referring to FIG. 1 a, the width of each of the side expulsion member 31can vary greatly. The width of each side expulsion member 31 is afunction of the outer perimeter 42 of the tampon holder tube 22 and thewidth of the side expulsion zones 35.

Referring to FIG. 1 a, the distance between each side expulsion member31 which extends along the outer perimeter 42 of the tampon holder tube22 depends upon the outer perimeter 42 of the tampon holder tube 22, thewidth of the each side expulsion member 31, and the width of the sideexpulsion zones 35. They can be equally spaced apart or they can benon-uniformly arranged. Uniformly arranged side expulsion members 31 arepreferred, but randomly arranged side expulsion members 31 will work.For ease of manufacturing, it is preferred that the side expulsionmembers 31 be equally spaced relative to one another. The side expulsionmembers 31, however, may be unequally spaced relative to one another.

The side expulsion members 31 are separated by side expulsion zones 35.The side expulsion zones 35 can be void areas, weakened regions,perforated areas, and/or thin areas. As shown in FIG. 6, theconfiguration of the side expulsion members 31 may be one continuoussheet with weakened regions as side expulsion zones 35. As shown in FIG.1 a, the side expulsion members 31 may be separated from one another byvoid side expulsion zones 35.

In one non-limiting example, the outer perimeter 42 of the tampon holdertube 22 can be about 60.96 mm. In this example, there can be three sideexpulsion members 31. Additionally, each side expulsion member 31 can beabout 6.35 mm and the side expulsion zones 35 between each sideexpulsion member 31 can be about 13.97 mm.

In yet another non-limiting example, the outer perimeter 42 of thetampon holder tube 22 can be about 75 mm. In this example, there can befive side expulsion members 31. Additionally, each side expulsion member31 can be about 6.35 mm and the side expulsion zones 35 between eachside expulsion member 31 can be about 8.65 mm. In this example, thelength of the side expulsion members 31 and the side expulsion zones 35can be about 35.56 mm.

In an alternative embodiment, as seen in FIG. 9, the side expulsionmembers 31 may have one continuous film or sheet and the end expulsionforce increasers 30 may have one continuous film or sheet. The sheet ofthe end expulsion force increasers 30 may completely enclose the top 44of the first end 26. The sheet or film of the side expulsion members 31may completely enclose the sides. The sheet of the side expulsionmembers 31 and the sheet of the end expulsion force increaser 30 mayoverlap one another. The sheet for the side expulsion members 31 and thesheet for the end expulsion force increasers 30 can be sealed to oneanother by any known means in the art such as heat seal, glue, or mold.This film or sheet protects the tampon 20 from contamination. The sheetor film for the side expulsion members 31 is not as strong as the filmor sheet for the end expulsion force increasers' 30 material.

The side expulsion members 31 may be composed of different materials ormay be composed of substantially the same type of material.

III. Tampon

Referring to FIG. 1 a, a tampon 20 may be stored within the tamponholder tube 22. In one preferred embodiment herein, the tampon 20 maycomprise of at least one fluid permeable bag-like tampon. As shown inFIG. 5, the withdrawal string 39 may be attached to the rearward portionof the tampon 20, as is conventional in the art.

The material used for the fluid permeable bag 22 is preferably soft andflexible. In its pre-assembled state, the fluid permeable bag 22 isrectangular in shape. However, other shapes for the fluid permeable bag22, such as but not limited to trapezoidal, triangular, hemispherical,chevron, hourglass, cylindrical, spherical, rectangular, and circularmay also be used.

There are many possible compositions for the fluid permeable bag 22including woven and non-woven materials; polymeric materials such asapertured formed themoplastic films, apertured plastic films, andhydroformed thermoplastic films; porous foams; reticulated foams; andreticulated thermoplastic films and thermoplastic scrims. Other suitablematerials can be comprised of natural fibers (e.g., treated wood, rayon,or cotton fibers); synthetic fibers (e.g., polymeric fibers such aspolyesters, rayon, polyethylene, polypropylene, or polyethylene fibers);or a combination of natural and synthetic fibers. If the materialcomprises a nonwoven material, it can be made by any suitable process.Other suitable materials include hydroentangled materials and any othersuitable material known and typically used in disposable absorbentarticles intended for in vivo use.

Typical fluid permeable bags 22 may comprise cotton, rayon, foldedtissues, woven materials, non woven webs (e.g., hydroentangled webs andair laid webs), synthetic, natural fibers, or sheeting. The fluidpermeable bag 22 may comprise a single material or a combination ofmaterials. In one non-limiting embodiment, the fluid permeable bag 22comprises rayon, cotton, or combinations of both materials. Thesematerials have a proven record of suitability for use in the human body.The rayon may be any suitable type typically used in disposableabsorbent articles intended for in vivo use. Such acceptable types ofrayon include GALAXY Rayon (a tri-lobed rayon structure) available as6140 Rayon from Acordis Fibers Ltd., of Hollywall, England, SARILLE Lrayon (a round cross-section fiber rayon), also available from AcordisFibers Ltd. is also suitable.

The absorbent material can take many physical forms including particles,fibers, agglomerates, powders, gels, foams, superabsorbent fibers orfoams, cotton, rayon, beads, and mixtures thereof. Sizes of particlesrange from fine powders to about 8 millimeters. The dimensions ofmaterials are measured without a confining pressure. The absorbentmaterials may be of any shape known in the art including but not limitedto rods, cones, spheres, squares, chevrons, cylindrical, ovate,rectangular, trapezoidal, triangular, or amorphous. The absorbentmaterials may be comprised of one material or may include blends ofmaterials. Blends may include different materials, different sizedparticles, or different shaped particles. For example, one embodimentmay include a blend of the same type of material with different sizesand different shapes. Another embodiment may include a blend ofdifferent type of materials of the same size and same shape. The surfacecharges of absorbent materials may be the same or different. Moreover,the non-absorbent material may also be mixed or blended with theabsorbent material.

Gel compositions may be used for the absorbent material. Such gelcompositions may include polyacrylamide super-absorbent premixed inwater or glycerin to gel.

Various absorbent foams can be used as the absorbent material. Thesefoams may be relatively thin, collapsed, polymeric foam materials whichexpand and absorb body fluid upon contact with aqueous body fluids. Theabsorbent material may comprise an open celled foam of the “HighInternal Phase Emulsion” (hereinafter “HIPE”) type or may also include“Thin after Drying” (hereinafter “TAD”). Such foam materials have cellsand holes small enough to provide a high capillary absorptive pressure,but large enough to prevent or minimize blockage by the insolublecomponents of blood and blood based liquids such as menses. Suchsuitable foams are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,387,207. Suitable foamsor combinations of foams may include those materials where the ratio ofabsorbencies measured at 0 psi and 0.25 psi (e.g., 0.25 psi absorbency/0psi absorbency) are greater than 0.5.

If a mixture of materials is used, the surface charges of the materialsmay be the same or different. The difference in surface charges may bealtered via the addition of charged polymers to the outer surface of theparticles or by using cationic absorbents. For example, in oneembodiment, a quatinized chitosan may be used in combination with a HIPEfoam.

III. Tampon Holder Tube Materials

Referring primarily to FIG. 1 a, the tampon holder tube 22 is preferablyan elongate hollow tube that has a second end (or “expulsion end”) 27and a gripping portion 33. The tampon holder tube 22 can be constructedfrom similar materials to other tampon holder tubes 22 known in the artof the type used in tampon applicators currently in use. Examples ofother such tampon holder tubes are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,346,468issued to Campion, et al. on Sep. 13, 1994 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,558,631issued to Campion, et al. on Sep. 24, 1996. The tampon holder tube 22can be of any suitable cross-sectional shape. Suitable cross-sectionalshapes include, but are not limited to circular, oval, flattenedcircular, and elliptical. Preferably, the tampon holder tube 22 has acircular cross-sectional configuration.

Referring primarily to FIG. 1 a, while not wishing to be bound by anyparticular theory, the tampon holder tube 22 may be made frompolyethylene or duraform polyamide. Accordingly, the exterior surface 25of the tampon applicator 21 may be constructed from any suitable smoothplastic material.

IV. Plunger

Referring primarily to FIG. 1 a, the plunger 29 can be used to expel thetampon 20 from its position within the tampon holder tube 22 when theplunger 29 is pushed manually into the tampon holder tube 22. Theplunger 29 is usually pulled out to its operative position when thetampon holder tube 22 is placed in the vaginal cavity. Plunger 29 isthen telescoped back into the tampon holder tube 22 towards the secondend 27 thereof, pushing the tampon 20 through the first end 26 spreadingopen the yieldable end expulsion force increaser 30 and side expulsionzone(s) 31.

The plunger 29 can be any type of component that is suitable for thispurpose. The plunger 29 can be constructed similarly to plungers of thetype used in tampon applicators currently in use. An example of asuitable plunger is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,346,468 issued toCampion, et al. on Sep. 13, 1994 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,558,631 issued toCampion, et al. on Sep. 24, 1996.

It should also be understood that the plunger 29 is an optionalcomponent for use with the tampon applicator 21 and that the tamponapplicator 21 will be fully functional if the plunger 29 is omitted,i.e., a user must insert and push the tampon 20 through the tamponapplicator 21 digitally.

Test Method

The following test method is a comparison of the present tamponapplicator 21 versus the same size applicator without the end expulsionforce increasers 30, side expulsion zones 35, and side expulsion members31.

The present tampon applicator 21 provides improved side-to-side coveragein the vaginal cavity. To determine the extent to which the presentinvention provides better side-to-side coverage in the vaginal cavity,this test method measures the length and the width of the tampon 20after expulsion from the tampon holder tube 22. Accordingly, the lessthe height of the tampon 20 after expulsion from the tampon holder tube22 the greater the width of the tampon 20. In other words, when thewidth of the tampon 20 is greater, there is greater side-to-sidecoverage in the vaginal cavity. In addition, the tampon 20 placed lowerin the vagina may effectively cover the vagina because the vagina istypically narrower in the lower region.

A. Test Stand Material

-   -   Mini Grip/Zip-Pak zipped bag 9″×12″ Stock No. 62-68 (Associated        Bag Co.) filled with 1,500 ml of water        B. Products    -   Kimberly-Clark Corporation KOTEX® Security tampon and        applicator, Super Plus Absorbency, #AC218722X2318        (Kimberly-Clark Corporation)    -   Conformable Tampon Materials and Making Instructions:        -   Tampon Materials:            -   a. Corolind PE HPC-2 0.23 gsm overwrap, Lot#                TFOR23/1000, Corvin GMBH Germany            -   b. TAMPAX® Cord, Lot# WYMAC7309A, Wehadkee            -   c. White Thread, Lot# ART.235, Coats of America            -   d. DT absorbent, Lot# DT7: 15, Procter & Gamble Company                Making Instructions:                -   a. Selfed coralind is made into a sealed tube (3.5″                    plus ¼″ seal×4″).                -   b. One end of the tube is gathered together and                    stitched with thread.                -   c. The bag is inverted and stuffed with up to 0.5 g                    of DT                -   d. The string (14″ folded) is sewn to the bottom of                    the bag on one side.                -   e. The bag is gathered and stitched at the bottom                    securing the string and measuring 2.5″ in length.            -   Materials and Making Instructions for Force Increaser                Applicator “Selective Laser Sintering”:            -   Force Increaser Applicator Materials: Duraform                Polyamide, Lot# B0461/7, DTM Corporation

ii. Procedure

-   -   1. Referring to FIG. 13, measure the inside diameter 56 of        tampon holder tube 22. This will be considered the tampon width        for the pre-expelled tampon 20. Measure assembled applicator        length V and applicator plunger length X. The pre-expelled        tampon length will be determined as follows: assembled length V        minus plunger length X will equal the tampon length U.    -   2. Referring to FIG. 14, place the 9″×12″ bag 57 filled with        1,500 ml of water onto a flat surface. Insert the tampon        applicator unit 21 under bag 57. Expel the tampon 20.    -   3. Referring to FIG. 14, measure the tampon's 20 width at the        widest point along the X axis 58.    -   4. Referring to FIG. 14, measure the tampon's 20 length at the        tallest point along the Y axis 59.    -   5. Repeat steps 1-4 with the KOTEX® Super Plus Tampon with        KOTEX® Super Plus Applicator.    -   6. Repeat steps 1-4 with the Conformable Tampon with KOTEX®        Super Plus Applicator.

iii. Calculation and Reporting

Referring to FIG. 14, when the tampon 20 was expelled from the tamponholder tube 22 of the present invention, the length of the tampon 20 wasless. This was the result of a change in the shape and/or orientation ofthe tampon. Given that the tampon length was less, the presentapplicator covered a greater width.

The following are results from the test method: TAMPON PRE-EXPELLEDLENGTH KOTEX ® Super Plus Conformable Tampon with Conformable TamponTampon with KOTEX ® KOTEX ® Super Plus with Force Increaser Super PlusApplicator Applicator Applicator rep 1 48 50 45 rep 2 49 53 49 rep 3 5052 43 prep 4 48 52 45 rep 5 48 52 42 rep 6 49 47 45 rep 7 47 52 44 rep 850 50 41 rep 9 46 52 40 rep 10 50 49 43 Average 48.5 50.9 43.7 Std. Dev.1.35 1.85 2.54

All documents cited in the Detailed Description of the Invention are,are, in relevant part, incorporated herein by reference; the citation ofany document is not to be construed as an admission that it is prior artwith respect to the present invention.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have beenillustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in theart that various other changes and modifications can be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is thereforeintended to cover in the appended claims all such changes andmodifications that are within the scope of this invention.

1. A tampon and a tampon applicator in combination for expulsion of saidtampon into a vaginal cavity of a female user, comprising: said tamponapplicator comprising a tampon holder tube and a plunger; said tamponholder tube comprising a hollow interior portion, an interior surface,an exterior surface, a longitudinal axis, an outer perimeter, a firstend dimensioned for insertion into said vaginal cavity, a second endpositioned oppositely to said first end, an end expulsion forceincreaser positioned at said first end of said tampon holder tube,comprising at least one side expulsion member positioned at said firstend of said tampon holder tube, said tampon comprising a fluid permeablebag and absorbent material loosely dispersed within said permeable bag,said tampon being housed within said hollow interior portion of saidtampon holder tube in a pre-expelled position; and said plunger beingslidably mounted in said hollow interior portion of said tampon holdertube, said plunger being adapted to expel said tampon through said endexpulsion force increaser.
 2. The tampon and tampon applicator of claim1 wherein said side expulsion member has an initial dimension and adeployed width, said initial dimension changes to said deployed width assaid plunger expels said tampon from said tampon holder tube.
 3. Thetampon and tampon applicator of claim 1 wherein said tampon holder tubecomprises a plurality of side expulsion zones.
 4. The tampon and tamponapplicator of claim 1 wherein said end expulsion force increaser causessaid tampon to expand beyond said outer perimeter of said tamponapplicator along at least one of said side expulsion members.
 5. Thetampon and tampon applicator of claim 1 wherein said tampon whenpartially expelled from said tampon holder tube is wider than saidtampon holder tube.
 6. The tampon and tampon applicator of claim 1wherein said side expulsion zone has a slot, arc, or curvedconfiguration.
 7. The tampon and tampon applicator of claim 6 whereinsaid side expulsion zone is a void.
 8. The tampon and tampon applicatorof claim 6 wherein said side expulsion zone is a weakened area.
 9. Thetampon and tampon applicator of claim 1 wherein said tampon iscompressed to a shorter length by said plunger before being expelledthrough said end expulsion force increaser.
 10. The tampon and tamponapplicator of claim 1 wherein said end expulsion force increaser furthercomprises a projection.
 11. A tampon and a tampon applicator incombination for expulsion of said tampon into a vaginal cavity of afemale user, comprising: said tampon applicator comprising a tamponholder tube; said tampon holder tube comprising a hollow interiorportion, an interior surface, an exterior surface, a longitudinal axis,an outer perimeter, a first end dimensioned for insertion into saidvaginal cavity, and a second end positioned oppositely to said firstend; said tampon holder tube comprising an end expulsion force increaserand a side expulsion member each positioned at said first end of saidtampon holder tube, said tampon being housed within said hollow interiorportion of said tampon holder tube in a pre-expelled position; and saidtampon comprising a fluid permeable bag tampon and absorbent materialloosely dispersed within said fluid permeable bag tampon.
 12. The tamponand tampon applicator of claim 11 wherein said tampon in saidpre-expelled position is in a first axis and said tampon in saidexpelled position is in a second axis.
 13. The tampon and tamponapplicator of claim 11 wherein said tampon is reoriented duringexpulsion into a direction non-parallel to said first axis of saidtampon in said tampon's pre-expelled position.
 14. A tampon and a tamponapplicator in combination for expulsion of said tampon into a vaginalcavity of a female user, comprising: said tampon applicator comprising atampon holder tube; said tampon holder tube comprising a hollow interiorportion, an interior surface, an exterior surface, a longitudinal axis,an outer perimeter, a first end dimensioned for insertion into saidvaginal cavity, and a second end positioned oppositely to said firstend; said tampon holder tube comprising an end expulsion force increaserand a side expulsion member each positioned at said first end of saidtampon holder tube, said tampon being housed within said hollow interiorportion of said tampon holder tube in a pre-expelled position; saidtampon comprising a fluid permeable bag tampon and absorbent materialloosely dispersed within said permeable bag; and wherein a force toexpel said tampon from said tampon holder tube has a greater force toexpel said tampon from said end expulsion force increaser than from saidside expulsion member.